About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Instructor Test Pilot (GS-2181-14) to work at the USAF Test Pilot School (USAF TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.
USAF TPS mission is to produce highly-adaptive critical-thinking flight test leaders. The Instructor Test Pilot will design and implement theoretical and applied test concepts in a 48-week curriculum covering flight sciences (performance & flying qualities), mission systems, test conduct, and test management. The Instructor Test Pilot will provide ground and in-flight instruction on flight test theory, test techniques, test execution and the broad responsibilities of developmental flight testers. The Instructor Test Pilot will use aircraft (including but not limited to the C-12, T-38, F-16, & KC-135) modified with specialized test instrumentation as well as simulators.
Announcement Closes: 31 Aug 2026.
Location: Edwards AFB, CA
Typical 2026 salary range: $197,200 Special Salary Rate (includes Locality)
Travel Requirements: Up to 15 days per year
Areas of Consideration (AOC): Department – wide (DoD)
Incentives:
- This position MAY be eligible for a recruitment/relocation incentive. Specifics will be discussed with the Selecting Official.
Desired Skills:
- Masters Degree in Engineering
- 10+ years of experience in military flight test
- Prior teaching experience.
Major Duties:
• Test Pilot Flight Instructor: The incumbent will teach student test pilots, test weapon systems operators and flight test engineers fundamental flight test theory and the practical application of specialized flight test techniques designed to evaluate flight sciences and mission systems, specification compliance, and mission suitability of prototype or highly modified aerospace vehicles under critical flight conditions of loading, speed, maneuvers, environment, and aircraft configuration.
• Define, integrate, & implement curriculum development for a graduate level educational program.
• Supports flight operations by acting as squadron Safety Officer and/or Assistant Operations Officer and/or flying Hour Program manager, Government Flight Representative, and/or phase instructor for the Performance, Flying Qualities, Systems, Qualitative Evaluation divisions.
• Requires a mastery of USAF aircraft operations, aircrew training, aircrew standardization and evaluation, aerospace resource management, aircrew life support, aircraft and aircrew safety, and aircraft flight test management.
• Provides classroom, pre/post-flight briefings, and in-flight instruction to teach TPS students how to conduct test and evaluations of new or critically modified aircraft.
• Develops proposals to improve the quality of flight test education and keep the TPS curriculum current. Ensures TPS policy is consistent with USAF and command training philosophy.
• Evaluates Test Management Project proposals and serves as staff advisor as appropriate.
• Provides advice in formulating the broad educational and training policies of TPS and directs or leads broad studies that affect command and USAF missions.
• Represents Test Pilot School as a recognized flight test technical expert at national and international symposia and conferences.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period
- Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest
- Obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance (Single Scope Background Investigation).
- Previous military pilot experience as an instructor/mission commander in fighter or multi-engine aircraft (F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, C-17, B-1, B-2, etc).
- Graduate of USAF Test Pilot School, USN Test Pilot School, Empire Test Pilot School or EPNER.
- Must meet USAF Class II flying requirements to include physical requirements to fly ejection seat aircraft, at the time of appointment. Incumbent will have access to flight surgeons and must comply with AFI 48-123 requirements to see a flight surgeon for Duties Not Involving Flying (DNIF) and Return to Flying Status (RTFS) determinations.
- Must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating. The FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required.
- Must meet the specialized OPM experience requirements for a GS-2181 Test Pilot Flight Instructor (1750 hrs total flight time, 1150 hrs PIC, 500 hrs IP time, 75 hr Instrument time, 100 hrs flight time in the last 12 months).
- This is a designated Drug Testing Position.
- A high level of technical knowledge and demonstrated expert skills to operate, maintain qualification in, and provide advanced flight test technique instruction in two to three different and dissimilar aircraft/weapons systems including the T-38, F-16, X-62 Variable-Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), C-12, sailplanes, and other aircraft as required to meet the learning objectives of the USAF TPS.
- A high level of knowledge, skill and ability in experimental flight test theory, flight test techniques, flight test methods and flight test procedures used to evaluate research, prototype and production aerospace vehicles, systems and weapons.
***Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length.*** Learn more about the new resume requirements at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Please send resumes to:
Heather Ash, heather.ash.1@us.af.mil.
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC STRATEGIC HIRING GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED